Is My Tarantula Molting or Just Hiding? How to Tell the Difference

Molting is a natural process that all tarantulas go through as they grow. However, it can sometimes be difficult to tell whether your tarantula is molting or just hiding in its burrow. In this article, we’ll go over the signs of an upcoming molt and how to make sure your spider is safe and comfortable during this vulnerable time.

What Happens During a Molt?

Molting is the process of shedding the exterior skeleton. Since the tarantula’s exoskeleton doesn’t grow with the spider, it has to periodically shed it and grow a new, larger one. This allows the tarantula to increase in size.

Here’s a quick overview of what happens

• The tarantula stops eating for a period of time before molting This allows it to focus its energy on the molt

• It spins a mat of webbing on the floor of its burrow and attaches itself to it upside down,

• The actual shedding process begins. The carapace (top shell) splits open and the tarantula wriggles out.

• Over a period of hours or days, the rest of the old exoskeleton is shed. The spider’s body is very soft and vulnerable during this time.

• Once fully shed, the new exoskeleton begins to harden and darken. The tarantula will not eat again until the new shell has fully hardened.

• Overall, the entire process can take weeks or even months from start to finish.

Signs Your Tarantula is About to Molt

Watch for these behaviors in the days or weeks before a molt:

• Lethargy: The tarantula may move very little and be less responsive than usual.

• Loss of appetite: Your spider stops showing interest in food and refuses to eat.

• Darkening abdomen: The abdomen turns dark gray or black. This is caused by new exoskeleton forming beneath the old one.

• Bald spots: Patches of missing hair become visible on the abdomen and legs.

• Hiding more than usual: The tarantula may spend more time tucked away in its burrow.

If you notice several of these signs, there’s a good chance a molt is imminent. Make sure to leave your spider alone aside from providing fresh water. Do not try to force feed – this will stress the tarantula. Molting requires deep concentration and any disturbance could be fatal.

Determining if Your Tarantula is Molting

So how do you know if your spider is actually molting versus just hiding out of sight? Here are a few ways to make an educated guess:

• Webbing: Peak into the enclosure and look for thick mats of silk on the floor of the burrow. This webbing is used to secure the tarantula during its molt.

• Molt mat: You may be able to see part of the molt mat through the entrance to the burrow. It will look like a dense, opaque carpet.

• Molt progress: An exuviae – the shed exoskeleton – may be partially visible protruding from the burrow.

• Posture: Get a quick glimpse of the tarantula positioned upside down if you can. This odd posture is a sure sign of molting.

• Duration: Hiding a few days? Probably not molting yet. Hiding for weeks without eating? Molt is likely underway.

Caring for a Molting Tarantula

Molting is extremely taxing on a tarantula, so your job is to simply leave it alone and let it concentrate. Here are a few care tips:

• Do not disturb: Refrain from opening the enclosure, feeding, misting, or handling the spider.

• Maintain humidity: Keep the substrate moist to aid the molting process. Add water carefully without flooding the burrow if needed.

• No food: Uneaten prey could attack the vulnerable tarantula. Remove any live food.

• Limit stress: Keep the room quiet and avoid vibrations from televisions, music, etc.

Monitor from afar until the spider has fully hardened its new exoskeleton and resumed normal behavior. Be patient – molts often take weeks or months to complete. With proper husbandry, your tarantula should come through just fine!

• Watch for pre-molt signs like fasting, bald spots, darkening abdomen

• Check the burrow for thick webbing and odd posture

• Consider the duration of hiding/fasting

• Catch a glimpse the exuviae if possible

• Maintain ideal conditions but do not disturb

With a basic knowledge of the molting process, you can rest easy knowing your spider is simply growing, not in danger. Be sure to give your tarantula plenty of time to complete its molt so it can return to its food and adventures at full size and strength!